Some huge games and big wins. Here’s the 11 who made the Team of the Week for Hyundai A-League Round 21.
KEEPER
Jamie Young (Roar)
In a season where the keeping has been at an all-time high, Young stands out. He was at his regal best again in Roar’s loss to the Jets, pulling off save after save. What a season the former Reading player is having. Young would have to be in the top five of keepers in the AFC right now.
DEFENCE
Alex Wilkinson (Sydney FC)
Yet another rock-solid display from one of the league’s most dependable central defenders. Kept Wanderers quiet all night in the derby.
Rhys Williams (Victory)
Was involved in the red card flashpoint but that shouldn’t take away from another very impressive display from the Caltex Socceroo in the 3-0 win over the Reds.
Jordy Buijs (Sydney FC)
The Dutchman may have missed ACL squad selection but he proved in the Sydney Derby why he’s so valuable with a super display.
MIDFIELD
Matias Sanchez (Victory)
Kevin Muscat singled out the Argentine after the 3-0 win over the Reds. He was dynamic and effective at AAMI, and after a slow start to his Victory career is really starting to blossom. Excluded from the club’s ACL squad like Buijs, expect Sanchez to be fresh and firing for the remainder of the domestic season.
Riley McGree (Jets)
In the absence of Pato Rodriguez, the young Aussie – on loan from Belgian outfit Club Brugge – really stepped up in Brisbane. Bursting forward on numerous occasions to cleverly link up with the attack, while not neglecting his defensive duty, he was a standout for Ernie Merrick’s men.
Tom Hiariej (CCM)
The Dutchman ran the show till his substitution after 73 minutes for an injury. The Mariners looked noticeably weaker in his absence, though they held on to win 1-0 against Phoenix. Hiariej came close to scoring in the first half and bossed the game with his creativity and control. Thankfully, his injury didn’t look too bad after the game.
ATTACK
Andrew Hoole (CCM)
“Hooley” is in stellar form right now. It was his deft cross that set up the game’s decisive goal against Phoenix, and his pace and willingness to make things happen are giving the Mariners a huge boost right now.
Leroy George (Victory)
Arguably the signing of the season. George helped set up the opener then cast a spell on Reds keeper Paul Izzo with a mesmerising set piece to make it 2-0. The Dutchman was very effective for Victory in the 3-0 win.
Adrian Mierzejewski (Sydney FC)
A favourite for the Johnny Warren Medal, the Pole was in devastating form in the Sydney Derby with two goals – his first an absolute beauty – backing up his star turn in China midweek against Shanghai Shenhua.
Daniel Arzani (City)
It’s a joy to watch this diminutive winger do his thing. He was at it again, weaving his magic down the wing against Glory and scoring an absolute peach. Was subbed off when City went down to 10 men but that doesn’t take away from another super display from the Caltex Socceroo in-waiting.
MANAGER OF THE ROUND: Graham Arnold (Sydney FC)
Another masterclass from the master coach, who saw his team go down to an early goal before they powered back to win 3-1 in the Sydney Derby. It’s been a good week after an eye-catching 2-2 draw in Shanghai in the ACL.
